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Desmond named Nats' Heart and Hustle Award winner

7/21/14: Ian Desmond takes Franklin Morales deep to left for a two-run home run, putting the Nationals up 2-0 in the 4th inning

By Nick Kosmider
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Special to MLB.com |

DENVER -- Nationals fans who watch Ian Desmond dirty his uniform with hard slides on the basepaths and dives in the infield won't be surprised by the honor bestowed upon the shortstop Tuesday.

Desmond was that Nationals' recipient of the 2014 Heart and Hustle Award, presented by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association for players who "demonstrate a passion for baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game."

Desmond, who tied a career high with five hits Monday in the Nationals' 7-2 win over the Rockies, also was Washington's winner of the award in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

As the season draws to a close, a winner from the pool of 30 players -- one from each Major League team -- will be selected. Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia won the award last season.

The final winner will be announced at the 15th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City on November 18.